The Science Council believes that every scientist has a responsibility to society, and themselves, to work with integrity, keep their skills and knowledge up to date and consider how their efforts affect the world around them. How can we encourage this among the science workforce?
Presented at SLS Lab Show and Conference, 25 May 2016.
2. Profession
A paid occupation, especially one that involves prolonged training and a
Formal qualification:
• his/her chosen profession of teaching,
• a barrister by profession
Professional
Worthy of or appropriate to a professional person; competent, skilful, or assured:
• their professional expertise
• their music is both memorable and professional
What is a Professional?
3. Trust is a funny thing …
How do you gain it and keep it and how do others verify you are trustworthy?
4.
5. Trust of others affects
promotion, earning and
grants
Can you trust yourself?
Would an ethical code
and framework help? Because science can have consequences for
public health and safety, the public need a
means of assuring themselves that
scientists are, collectively and individually,
trustworthy.
The planet needs scientists to help make
life comfortable for all as well as
sustainable. The need is urgent and
science must be done well and ethically to
safeguard all our futures.
6. Doctors, Nurses and Midwives must be registered and regulated but not scientists, even those
working in the same hospitals?
7.
8. Failure of Skill,
Knowledge or
Diligence
Conflict of
Interest or
Loyalty
Lack of Ethical
consideration.
Creation of
unmitigated
Risk
Fraud
9. How long did scientists in
this company know of
the risk of ovarian
cancer?
16. The structure of Science Council registration
www.sciencecouncil.org
A: Application of knowledge and
understanding
E: Professionalism
D: Professional practice
B: Personal responsibility
C: Interpersonal skills
Commitment
to CPD
Professional
body code of
conduct
19. Independent recognition of your achieving and
maintaining the exacting standards required to join the
global community of professional scientists.
Registration with the Science Council
How much does science generate for UK economy?
How much is research grants
How much does trust affect you reputation and employability
Each of the register standards is divided into five main areas of competence A – E and these subdivide into further statements.
The CSci standards have recently been redrafted in the same format – which will help to enable progression through the registers.
Someone applying for registration will need to demonstrate how they meet each of the competences for registration at the appropriate level. They also sign up to a code of conduct and a CPD standard – which requires them to maintain an annual CPD record in order to remain registered.
The SC’s role in addressing trust and professionalism- linked to the Science Council’s professional standards etc. both in terms of practicing scientists (might be good to include 10 types of scientists to showcase diversity/breadth of science) and the training of new scientists (how we are embedding the standards into apprenticeships through the trailblazers etc.) and how we will embed them into future degree apprenticeships. (Could also include something about how can you trust that the salesperson from your company who is selling you an item of equipment etc. ha the relevant scientific expertise? Through RSci etc!)
Professional standards as an employability framework in HE – introducing students to standards at an early stage so that professionalism is integrated as early as possible. (Along with placement project etc.)
Working with our member bodies to on the accreditation of science degrees – ensuring education of science at appropriate standard etc etc.